Parks and playgrounds across the region are being made safer, more accessible and inclusive for residents and visitors as part of Kempsey Shire Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017-2021.
The Plan represents an integrated and coordinated approach to access and inclusion to council’s information, services and operations through key action items.
One of the DIAP actions, to provide safe and accessible community facilities, is being addressed with Council’s focus on recently making improvements to parks and playgrounds in Kempsey, South Kempsey, Bellbrook and Gladstone.
An all-abilities orbiter and connected pathway was installed at the South Kempsey Park in May and a wheelchair accessible barbecue and seated area has also been installed.
The project is funded by a grant from NSW Family and Community Services.
In Gladstone, new seats and benches as well as pathways and ramps for better access throughout the park and playground was completed last year, while the construction of a new amenities block is nearing completion.
The new amenities will feature three unisex cubicles, an open breezeway and handbasin stand. One cubicle will be fully accessible with a baby change station.
The design takes inspiration from the heritage of the local area and will be relocated within the park to maximise the space.
The installation of a new barbecue and a wheelchair accessible picnic table will be the final component of the Gladstone Park upgrade.
Play equipment from Gladstone Park has also been repurposed at Bellbrook Playground with a combination unit, featuring a glider and a slide, recently installed.
Following community feedback received, Council also installed some multi-use toddler play equipment for children aged 1-4 years at Riverside Park, Kempsey. The equipment features four towers, a hanging bridge, a tunnel and slide.
An all-abilities carousel, installed at the South Kempsey Visitor Information Centre playground, is the first piece of wheelchair accessible equipment in Kempsey
